Comprehensive information and links about Canada Penticton

Penticton (49°29′28″N, 119°35′19″W) is a city in south central British Columbia between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake (at one time known officially as "Dog Lake"). According to the 2001 census its population is 30,985 (in the greater area the population reaches 41,574). The name Penticton is derived from the local Salish Native language, meaning roughly translated "a place to stay forever".

Penticton's primary economic strengths are tourism, wine production and fruit orchards. Penticton hosts many world famous events annually, among them the Canadian Ironman Triathlon, the Okanagan Wine Festival and the Pentastic Hot Jazz Festival -- not to mention the mildly-embarrassing "Elvis Festival". Penticton also is the home of some of British Columbia's best recreational opportunities including skiing at the Apex Alpine ski area, boating and fishing on Skaha Lake and Okanagan Lake as well as one of the best sport climbing areas in Canada, Skaha Bluffs.

It is the seat of the Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District.

Pentiction is the home of the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory, Canada's only radio telescope array.

Penticton is the former home of Donald Bakker. It's also the birthplace of actress Alexis Smith and of hockey player Andy Moog.

Penticton is served by the Penticton Regional Airport.